John 16:1 (NASBStr)
“ These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling.
Jesus is concerned about His disciples. He has given them firm warnings and keen insight into the things that will take place in the future. It would be easy for a disciple to simply give up in view of the difficulties forecasted ahead. Turning back in the view of the coming storm is typically considered good judgement. But, any wise Captain would both know of the fear of the storm and the remedy. This is where we find ourselves in chapter 16 and Christ's words above. Even though He has dutifully, officially and correctly warned them of the offense that will come to them as a result of the cross, He doesn't want to lose them. He wants to encourage them. He is about to tell them that not only will the temptations and trials come, but that He has provided the tools and resources they need to go through the storm. He is going to leave them a Comforter. That alone would encourage them in the midst of the trial. He also will answer their prayers, see them after His resurrection and provide a peace they will not understand or be able to explain through that Comforter. God's Word is honest and doesn't hide anything. But, at the same time the trials of life are predicted the tools of life to manage the trials are fully evident and available to the one who puts their faith in Christ. "These things I have spoken ..." The Word of God is the answer and resource in the midst of the Plan of God. By faith we believe the things He has spoken and our spirits are enable and empowered to follow Him through the storm. He does not want us to stumble; fall way or be scandalized by the Cross of Christ. He who saves us also enables us.
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